Free College Basketball Picks For Today, Friday 1/3/2025

The CBB action slows down today before a hectic Saturday, and here you can take a look at the College Basketball Picks for Friday 1/3/2025.

Iowa vs Wisconsin Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/3/25

Iowa at Wisconsin at 7 PM ET

In their encounter with New Hampshire on Monday, the Hawkeyes experienced little resistance. They dominated the first half, leading 62-33, and maintained their momentum with a final score of 112-70, following a 50-37 run in the second half. Payton Sandfort was the standout performer, scoring 15 points and securing six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Seydou Traore and Cooper Koch each added 14 points from the bench, with Traore also achieving six assists and three rebounds, while Koch contributed three rebounds and three assists. Ladji Dembele rounded out the scoring with 12 points and four rebounds.

On December 22, during their most recent matchup against Detroit Mercy, the Badgers emerged from halftime with a 39-26 advantage. Wisconsin concluded the game with a dominant 37-27 run, resulting in a decisive 76-53 victory. Nolan Winter led the team with an impressive double-double, scoring 18 points and securing 11 rebounds. Additionally, Steven Crowl contributed 15 points and four rebounds, while John Blackwell added 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 26 minutes of play.

The Pick:

The Hawkeyes showcased their dominance in their latest game against a faltering New Hampshire team, achieving a remarkable shooting accuracy of 60.8 percent from the field. They also held a rebounding advantage of 44-38, contributed 27 assists, and recorded only nine turnovers. The team has maintained a streak of scoring 80 or more points in seven consecutive games, resulting in a 5-2 record, and has scored at least 76 points in all ten of their wins. On the other hand, Wisconsin struggled with their shooting in their previous match against Detroit, finishing with a shooting percentage of 40.6 and only 20 percent from three-point range (7-of-35). Despite this, the Badgers secured a victory, largely due to their significant 50-34 advantage in rebounding. Wisconsin has managed to score 74 or more points in every game this season, except for a loss to Michigan where they scored 64 points. Thus, if both teams are performing optimally, a high-scoring affair is likely. Back Over.

Wichita State vs Temple Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/3/25

Wichita State at Temple at 7 PM ET

The Wichita State Shockers enter this matchup aiming to capitalize on their recent victory against Friends University, where they secured an 87-72 win, bringing their season record to 10-3. Justin Hill stands out as the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, averaging 14 points per game and 3.2 assists per game, along with 3.4 rebounds per game. Following him, Xavier Bell contributes 13.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, while Corey Washington rounds out the trio of double-digit scorers with an average of 12.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

The Temple Owls approach this contest with the intention of building on their recent 91-71 triumph over Buffalo, which has improved their overall record to 8-5 for the season. Leading the scoring for the Owls is Jamal Mashburn Jr., who averages 20.1 points per game. Steve Settle III follows with an average of 12.1 points per game, while also leading the team in rebounding with 6.8 rebounds per game and contributing 2.2 assists per game. Zion Stanford further strengthens the team’s offensive capabilities, averaging 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, thus rounding out the group of players scoring in double figures for Temple this season.

The Pick:

Wichita State has not performed up to expectations during their limited road games this season, and I am hesitant to support the Shockers in away matches, as they tend to excel when playing at home. Conversely, Temple has shown promise in several of their recent outings, and I believe this is a team capable of gaining momentum and securing another victory and cover at home. I favor the Owls in this matchup.

Michigan State vs Ohio State Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/3/25

Michigan State at Ohio State at 8 PM ET

Following their 80-62 triumph over Western Michigan, the Michigan State Spartans are looking to build on this success and improve their season record to 11-2. Jaden Akins is the leading scorer for the Spartans, averaging 13.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while Jase Richardson supports the scoring with an average of 10 points per game, making them the two players contributing double-digit scores for the team this season.

The Ohio State Buckeyes come into this game with the momentum of a recent 103-63 victory over Indiana State. Bruce Thornton is at the forefront of the Buckeyes’ scoring, averaging 17.4 PPG and leading in assists with 4.8 APG. John Mobley Jr. contributes 12.2 PPG, while Micah Parrish adds 10 PPG and 4.7 RPG. Devin Royal is also a significant contributor, averaging 14.8 PPG and leading the team in rebounding with 7.5 RPG, thus completing the ensemble of double-digit scorers for Ohio State this season.

The Pick:

The Spartans have proven adept at winning away from East Lansing, successfully taking on some of the toughest opponents in the country. To be entirely honest, I struggle to have faith in this Ohio State team. I am convinced that the Spartans can secure a win on the road in this game, so I will choose Michigan State as the victor.

Xavier vs Georgetown University Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/3/25

Xavier at Georgetown at 8 PM ET

This season, the Xavier Musketeers have compiled a record of 9 wins and 5 losses, recently securing a 94-72 victory over Seton Hall. Their performance against the spread stands at 8-6, and they have a 4-9-1 record in over/under betting, with a disappointing 0-3 record in away games. Leading the team in scoring is Zach Freemantle, who averages 16.9 points and also leads in rebounds with 7.7 per game, while Ryan Conwell contributes an average of 16.6 points.

The Georgetown Hoyas currently hold an impressive record of 11 wins and 2 losses this season, recently achieving a decisive victory of 83-53 against Coppin State. They have a record of 7 wins and 6 losses against the spread, and 4 wins and 9 losses in over/under betting, while maintaining a strong home record of 9 wins and 1 loss. Leading the team in scoring is Thomas Sorber, who averages 15.7 points per game and also contributes a team-high of 8.3 rebounds. Additionally, Jayden Epps supports the scoring efforts with an average of 15.9 points.

The Pick:

In terms of offensive output, Georgetown outperforms Xavier by an average of 4.4 points, while Xavier showcases a stronger defensive record, conceding 6.5 points less. The Hoyas are winning games by an average margin of 13.2 points this season, compared to the Musketeers’ 11.1 points. Both teams have been effective defensively, allowing a total of 132.5 points per game. Furthermore, they have both demonstrated a propensity for lower-scoring games, with a combined record of 18-8-1 to the under this season. Consequently, I predict another low-scoring affair and suggest considering the Under.

Creighton vs Marquette Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/3/25

Creighton at Marquette at 9 PM ET

This season, the Creighton Bluejays have achieved a record of 9-5 and are coming off a closely contested victory against Saint John’s, winning 57-56. The team has a record of 5-7-2 against the spread and 5-9 in terms of over/under outcomes, with a disappointing 0-2 record in away games. Ryan Kalkbrenner is the standout player for Creighton, leading the team with an average of 17.2 points and a team-high of 7.8 rebounds. Meanwhile, Steven Ashworth contributes significantly with averages of 17.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and a team-leading 6.2 assists.

This season, the Marquette Golden Eagles boast an impressive record of 12-2, following a commanding 78-50 victory against Providence. The team has an 8-6 record against the spread and a 6-8 record in over/under while maintaining a perfect 8-0 record at home. Kameron Jones stands out as the top scorer for Marquette, averaging 20.1 points per game, complemented by 4.7 rebounds and a team-leading 6.6 assists. Furthermore, David Joplin contributes 14.4 points per game and leads the team with 5.4 rebounds.

The Pick:

Marquette demonstrates superiority in both offensive and defensive metrics, scoring an average of 5.1 points more than Creighton while conceding 3.9 points fewer. This season, the Golden Eagles are winning by an average margin of 14.4 points, in contrast to the Bluejays’ average victory margin of 5.4 points. Marquette has maintained an impeccable record in their eight home games this season and has achieved a 4-2 record against the spread in their last six home contests. Conversely, Creighton has yet to secure a victory on the road this season, indicating that the advantage lies with the home team. Back the Marquette Golden Eagles and accept the points.

Saint Joseph’s vs Saint Louis Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/3/25

St. Joe’s at Saint Louis at 9 PM ET

During the latest contest against UMass, Saint Joseph’s recorded 81 points, ultimately winning by eight points. The offense excelled in the second half, scoring 44 points, which was critical in securing the victory. Rasheer Fleming had a notable game, finishing with 16 points and six rebounds. For the season, Saint Joseph’s averages 76.7 points per game, while their defensive unit concedes 67.9 points per game. The offense ranks 153rd in the league, while the defense is ranked 98th.

In their latest encounter, Saint Louis faced Fordham, scoring 88 points and winning by a significant 25-point margin. Gibson Jimerson showcased his skills with a remarkable performance, recording 33 points, eight rebounds, and one assist. For the season, Saint Louis averages 78.1 points per game, with their defense conceding 71.4 points per game. The offense is currently ranked 120th in the league, while the defense holds a ranking of 190th.

The Pick:

With an average of 76.7 points per game, Saint Joseph’s is well-positioned to excel offensively in this contest. Meanwhile, Saint Louis’s defense, which concedes an average of 71.4 points per game, is expected to encounter significant difficulties in this matchup. As a result, Saint Louis is unlikely to achieve a competitive scoring output, paving the way for an uncomplicated win for Saint Joseph’s. It is recommended to back Saint Joseph’s for both the victory and the spread coverage.

Nevada vs New Mexico Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/3/25

Nevada at New Mexico at 11 PM ET

Facing Utah State on Tuesday, the Wolf Pack concluded the first half with a 33-28 lead. Nevada was outpaced 41-31 the rest of the way, however, resulting in a 69-64 loss. Nick Davidson emerged as the leading scorer, posting a double-double of 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Justin McBride added 11 points and four rebounds, and Xavier DuSell was the highest scorer from the bench, contributing 10 points and three rebounds in the team’s loss.

In the Tuesday contest against Fresno State, the Lobos showcased a solid performance by halftime, leading 53-36. They maintained their dominance in the second half, accumulating another 50 points and finishing the game with a score of 103-89. Mustapha Amzil was the top scorer among the starters, achieving 23 points and five rebounds. Donovan Dent also made a significant contribution with 18 points, five rebounds, six assists, and five steals, while CJ Noland came off the bench to score 23 points and provide three assists. Furthermore, Nelly Junior Joseph achieved a double-double, recording 12 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks.

The Pick:

New Mexico showcased a solid performance in their latest game against a struggling Fresno State team, achieving a commendable shooting accuracy of 58.6 percent from the field, along with 36 rebounds and 21 assists as a unit. Nonetheless, they encountered some difficulties with ball control, resulting in 16 turnovers that allowed the Bulldogs to capitalize with 18 points. Despite this, their overall performance was strong, particularly with 54 points scored in the paint. The Lobos have been prolific in scoring this season, consistently reaching 71 points or more in all 14 games and currently riding a four-game winning streak. In contrast, Nevada struggled against a formidable Utah State team in their last outing. The Wolf Pack allowed a shooting percentage of 52.2 from the field and committed 13 turnovers, which led to 16 points for the Aggies. On a positive note, Nevada has successfully limited their opponents to under 70 points in three straight games. However, they have also struggled offensively, failing to score more than 65 points in each of those matches, resulting in three consecutive defeats. If New Mexico can continue their scoring prowess, they should be in a favorable position to cover the spread.